Lazy Cow

Je Ne Sais Quack began one sunny morning in Paris. ☀️

It was a beautiful spring day that started with strong coffee and the purchase of shiny, plump fruit and flaky pastries. We carried them over to the Bois de Boulogne for a spontaneous picnic, where I sat on the grass happily stuffing my face, admiring the beauty of this gorgeous park, and congratulating myself on some excellent life decisions.

I took photos and sketched the lake in front of me, keen to remember this perfect start to a long Parisian weekend. 🇫🇷

While walking around the lake, a Mandarin duck caught my eye. I took quite a few photos that day, but completely fell for this particular character.

Why? I’m not entirely sure.

He just had that certain something.

That je ne sais quack. 🦆

The decision to paint him came later that summer. While visiting Florence, I was standing in the Uffizi Gallery in front of The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli when I noticed myself studying the waves. They are not the main focus of the painting, but they made me wonder how difficult it must be to paint water well. I decided then and there that capturing water in oil would be my next challenge. 🌊

Turns out, it’s quite tricky.

In the reference photo, the water ripples and reflects the trees and sky above it. The sparkles, shifts and tree reflections were all a bit of a minefield. The breakthrough came when I loosened up and used an acrylic marker to scribble all over. The lines needed to be messy and natural.

The scene itself is quite simple. A duck on a lake.

But male Mandarin ducks are anything but simple. Their colours are extraordinary, and they look as though they’re wearing a beautifully tailored, slightly flamboyant waistcoat. In Eastern culture they symbolise love and lifelong partnership, which feels rather fitting for such a handsome creature.

A simple setting.
A spectacularly handsome subject.
A playful title.

A painting that pushed me to try something new.

Je ne sais quoi is a French phrase used to describe an indefinable quality. That certain something you can’t quite explain.

This duck had it.

And I wanted to see if I could paint it. 🎨

The original Je Ne Sais Quack painting is still for sale and is an oil on canvas measuring 50 × 60 cm.

The piece will soon be varnished and professionally framed, ready to find its forever wall.

If you’re interested in giving this very well-dressed gentleman a new home, I’d love to hear from you.

Please get in touch via email to enquire about availability, pricing, or shipping.

Prints coming soon